How Cows and Poultry Help the Land Thrive: Grazing Systems in Permaculture

In permaculture, cows and poultry can do so much more than provide milk, meat, and eggs; they can play an essential role in maintaining and nourishing the land. When done right and with careful planning, a small herd of cows in conjunction with various poultry can transform fields, clear overgrown areas, and boost soil fertility—all…

7 Lessons Learned Beyond Basic Preparedness From Hurricane Helene

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, countless lives were impacted, homes destroyed, and communities tested. While disaster preparedness is often discussed in terms of stocking up on food and water, there are deeper lessons to be learned that go beyond the basics.  These seven lessons are not just about survival, but about adopting a mindset…

How To Make And Use Leaf Mold For Better Soil

The leaves are covering the homestead and as an act of good stewardship, you're wondering what's the best thing to do with them all. Have you ever made leaf mold (leaf mould for our non U.S. friends)? So what is leaf mold, and how do you make it, and use it? Leaf Mold or Mould…

Guild Planting: How Plants Can Work Together

Permaculture, a system of agricultural and social design centered on mimicking the patterns observed in natural ecosystems, has long embraced the concept of guild planting. At the heart of this method is the belief that plants, much like people, benefit from having the right companions. But what is a guild, and how can understanding them…

How To Find Places To Hunt To Fill The Homestead Freezer

Hunting is a great way to fill the homestead freezer but how do you find places to hunt? Many modern homesteaders don't have a hundred acres of fields and woods, many are living out their homesteading dreams of self-sufficiency on urban city lots and suburban lots and because of that, they may be struggling to…

Discover Why Ducks Might Be Your Ultimate Homestead Helpers

If you’re wondering about adding some poultry to your homestead, you might be thinking chickens or turkeys, but how about some ducks? Provided you have a plentiful supply of water for duck bathing, like a borehole, or small pond, ducks can fulfill many of the same roles as chickens, and in many ways, they are…

Air Pruning: A Simple Technique for Robust Root Development

Growing healthy plants starts with healthy roots, and air pruning is a technique that can promote robust root development. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, air pruning can be a valuable practice to help you achieve your gardening goals. In this article, we will explore the benefits of air pruning, how it works,…

The Ultimate Guide to Building a Survival Homestead: Why You Should and How to Start

So, you’ve been thinking about building a survival homestead. Maybe you're tired of depending on grocery stores or dreaming of a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle. Or perhaps, like many, you’ve noticed the world’s unpredictability—natural disasters, pandemics, or economic uncertainties—and it’s made you wonder, “What if I could provide for myself?” Well, you’re not alone. More…

What Is Row Cover And How And When To Use It

Gardening can sometimes be a little challenging. Especially when dealing with things like early and late frosts, windy conditions, scorching temperatures, and pest pressure. The good news is that there is something that can help you with all of those things, Row Cover! What Is A Row Cover? Also known as Garden Fabrics, the floating…

What is Allelopathy and How Can It Affect Your Garden?

Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! 🌱 Ever noticed that sometimes, no matter how much love and care you give, certain plants just don't thrive next to each other? Well, there might be a sneaky culprit at play called allelopathy. Let's dive into what allelopathy is all about, how it might be affecting your beloved garden,…

How To Build Contour Swales and Berms: Maximize Your Garden’s Water Efficiency

Water management is an essential practice for gardeners, especially in regions prone to drought or periodic heavy rainfall. One of the most effective methods to manage rainwater sustainably is by using contour swales and berms. These simple, yet highly functional landscaping features can dramatically improve water retention, reduce erosion, and increase the resilience of your…

How To Build A Cheap and Sturdy Cattle Panel Greenhouse

A cattle panel greenhouse is one of the most affordable and effective ways to extend your growing season while protecting crops from the elements. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to build a cattle panel greenhouse using cattle panels and pallets, or, if you prefer, just cattle panels alone. https://youtu.be/3eiizMNiLnI In the above…

Low Cost Root Cellar Ideas to Store Your Harvest for Year-Round Freshness

A root cellar is an age-old method of storing fruits, vegetables, and other perishable goods, allowing homesteaders and gardeners to enjoy their harvest year-round. Root cellars maintain a stable temperature and humidity, creating ideal conditions for preserving the freshness and quality of your produce. Building a root cellar does not have to be expensive or…

Can You Practice Permaculture Without Land?

Whether you live in an apartment or a house with no yard, permaculture can be a great way to connect with nature and live more sustainably. There are several things you can do to practice permaculture right where you are, here are a few ways to get started. Is Permaculture More Than A Garden? Permaculture…

End Of Season Garden Bed Preparation: 5 Strategies for A Thriving Garden Next Year

As the growing season winds down, it's time to start thinking about how to prepare your garden beds for the next year. Proper end-of-season preparation not only helps maintain soil health but also ensures that your garden is ready for planting when spring arrives. Here are five essential strategies for preparing your garden beds that…

How Long Can Seeds Be Stored and How Should You Store Them?

If you are getting seeds in from your garden or if you’ve bought some from a local garden center, you might be wondering how soon you need to use them up. How long do seeds last before they go bad? This depends heavily on the kind of seed and the storage conditions. Some kinds of…

Get Started Growing Garlic: Everything You Need To Know

Few plants will make you feel more like a successful green thumb gardener than garlic. I personally find growing garlic to be one of the most fulfilling and useful plants to grow on my permaculture homestead. Here is everything you need to know to get started growing it in your garden. A Little About Garlic…

15 Easy Keto Friendly Vegetables To Grow In Your Garden

Growing your vegetables is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening, especially if you're following a specific diet like keto. The ketogenic diet, which focuses on low-carb, high-fat nutrition, benefits greatly from homegrown produce that is fresh, nutrient-rich, and free of additives. If you’re looking to grow a keto-friendly garden, here are the 15…

10 Tips For Starting A Homestead On A Small Budget

Embarking on the journey of starting a homestead from scratch can feel overwhelming, especially when considering the costs involved. However, it’s possible to live the homesteading lifestyle without needing a large income. These tips will guide you through the top lessons learned from starting a homestead on a small budget, helping you make smart decisions…

5 Films To Inspire You On Your Homesteading Journey

https://youtu.be/f6hCVlwPdcc Inspiration leads to motivation, and motivation leads to production. I personally find that films of all kinds, such as movies and documentaries, can be a tool for inspiration. There are many inspirational films with a direct or indirect connection to homesteading that make you excited to get going. Let's take a look at 5…